A dozen members of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum’s governing council have taken a striking stand, pressing Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., to remove Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., from his position on the council.
The open letter, dated Jan. 13 and signed by 12 council members, highlights Sanders’ near-complete absence from meetings since his 2007 appointment and cites public statements they believe contradict the museum’s mission of Holocaust remembrance and genocide prevention. Attendance records confirm he has missed every council meeting over nearly two decades.
The issue has sparked sharp discussion about accountability and dedication to the museum’s purpose. Critics on the council contend that active participation is non-negotiable for Senate appointees, particularly as antisemitism rises and Holocaust education faces mounting obstacles.
Robert Garson, a council member speaking in a personal capacity and not for the museum, put it bluntly, saying, “There are two large meetings every year where people fly in from all over the country for it, but Bernie Sanders couldn't be bothered to walk across the road in D.C.” That pointed remark, as covered by Newsmax, captures a raw frustration. If commitment is measured by presence, Sanders’ record draws a stark blank.
Jonathan Burkan, another council member, offered a biting comment with, “Eighteen is a good number in Judaism, but not in this case.” His reference to nearly 18 years of absenteeism cuts deep, revealing how long this grievance has simmered. The council’s tolerance appears to have reached its limit.
With antisemitism climbing and public distortions of the Holocaust increasing, council members argue that every voice on the board must be active and unwavering. Sanders’ consistent no-show status strikes many as a neglect of duty at a critical juncture.
Beyond attendance, the letter flags Sanders’ public remarks on current conflicts, which some see as clashing with the museum’s core principles of genocide prevention. Though specifics remain vague, the unease among peers is palpable.
The United States Holocaust Memorial Council, responsible for guiding the museum’s policies and operations, includes both presidential and congressional appointees. Sanders, as a Senate-selected member, is expected to uphold the mission of countering Holocaust distortion through full engagement.
The plea to Schumer isn’t merely about one senator; it’s a broader demand for accountability. They seek representatives who are present, in both body and belief, to address the urgent task of safeguarding history’s painful truths.
This clash emerges amid intensified political focus on the museum’s governing body. In April, President Donald Trump replaced several Biden-era appointees, including former second gentleman Doug Emhoff, sparking criticism from groups who argue Holocaust remembrance should transcend partisan divides.
Soon after, the museum acknowledged Trump’s new appointees, including Burkan and Garson, marking a shift in the council’s composition. While procedural, this change has heightened debates over who shapes the museum’s path during a tense cultural moment.
For an institution meant to serve as a grave reminder, political undercurrents risk becoming a sideshow. Yet, they also highlight why the council insists every member must fully contribute, without exception.
The museum grapples with rising demand for Holocaust education as younger generations confront history’s echoes in modern conflicts. Council members stress that Senate appointees like Sanders must be wholly committed, not just placeholders on a list.
The letter to Schumer positions this as a question of integrity for the museum’s mission. They call for representatives who are “fully engaged and steadfastly supportive,” a benchmark they argue Sanders has not met for far too long.
While Sanders’ office has remained silent, the council’s message echoes clearly. In an era where twisting history can deepen societal rifts, the keepers of memory are setting a firm standard, valuing dedication over disengagement.